I’m from Arizona and could never live in Utah (nothing personal) I love my religion but there is something different when living near so many members so maybe that’s it. I had a hard time living in Mesa where everyone is a member. I’m in the Midwest so I have one neighbor in my Ward. My brother is like you, my 5 siblings are inactive and I understand why. For me I find more stability and peace in following it and giving my kids a good foundation. Teaching values and the importance of family is big for me. My grandfather was a convert and he always said “it’s either true or it’s not, either way it’s a good way of life”. That’s how I feel, when I left the church I drank and smoked and turned against all my values. I don’t ever judge anyone for leaving, or believing differently. For me it saved my life and I met my amazing husband. My kids can choose for themselves when they turn 18…my oldest is 17 and we are not sure if he will choose to serve a mission or not but it’s his choice not mine. I don’t believe in following blindly, I have no problem questioning my Bishop or Stake President if I think they are wrong and I have no problem calling out anyone who does something I think is wrong. I’ve got tons of stories and rubbed some people the wrong way in my current ward because of covid. We moved in the week church was shut down.
My brother and sister in laws live in Utah, rest of family is in Az and they love it I’ve only been once but after living in Mesa as an adult I knew I couldn’t live around that many members. I was never the stereotypical (if there really is one) member and had a difficult time fitting in as a young girl. Only member my age in my very small community Branch and the girls in the stake were mean to me…long story short I have my own issues and have loathed relief society for many reasons. After moving to my new state we had planned to try a bit harder but covid threw a wrench in that. I believe my religion but I struggle with some of the culture and always have. I just do my best and feel everyone else is doing the same so not to hold grudges or get offended. Midwest people are just so nice, I can’t tell if I’ve made friends or they just tolerate me because they are nice.
One of the greatest things I gained after leaving was the burden to worry about converting non members. I was free to know and enjoy people for who they were. It was a wonderful path to be on.
I guess I’m not super great because I don’t go around trying to convert others. I know that’s a big part but I just kind of answer questions if people have them, tell my story and if someone seems interested I of course would offer more or invite them to church but having grown up around mostly non members and never served a mission as I joined the army I never could be pushy. I don’t think it helps personally. Again being the only active sibling in my family I understand how and why people leave. I don’t criticize or judge any of them about leaving, free agency is the point of it all.
I’m from Arizona and could never live in Utah (nothing personal) I love my religion but there is something different when living near so many members so maybe that’s it. I had a hard time living in Mesa where everyone is a member. I’m in the Midwest so I have one neighbor in my Ward. My brother is like you, my 5 siblings are inactive and I understand why. For me I find more stability and peace in following it and giving my kids a good foundation. Teaching values and the importance of family is big for me. My grandfather was a convert and he always said “it’s either true or it’s not, either way it’s a good way of life”. That’s how I feel, when I left the church I drank and smoked and turned against all my values. I don’t ever judge anyone for leaving, or believing differently. For me it saved my life and I met my amazing husband. My kids can choose for themselves when they turn 18…my oldest is 17 and we are not sure if he will choose to serve a mission or not but it’s his choice not mine. I don’t believe in following blindly, I have no problem questioning my Bishop or Stake President if I think they are wrong and I have no problem calling out anyone who does something I think is wrong. I’ve got tons of stories and rubbed some people the wrong way in my current ward because of covid. We moved in the week church was shut down.
My wife's from Omaha. I lived there for 18 months till we got marred then moved back to Utah. Omaha was cool but I prefer Utah.
My brother and sister in laws live in Utah, rest of family is in Az and they love it I’ve only been once but after living in Mesa as an adult I knew I couldn’t live around that many members. I was never the stereotypical (if there really is one) member and had a difficult time fitting in as a young girl. Only member my age in my very small community Branch and the girls in the stake were mean to me…long story short I have my own issues and have loathed relief society for many reasons. After moving to my new state we had planned to try a bit harder but covid threw a wrench in that. I believe my religion but I struggle with some of the culture and always have. I just do my best and feel everyone else is doing the same so not to hold grudges or get offended. Midwest people are just so nice, I can’t tell if I’ve made friends or they just tolerate me because they are nice.
One of the greatest things I gained after leaving was the burden to worry about converting non members. I was free to know and enjoy people for who they were. It was a wonderful path to be on.
I guess I’m not super great because I don’t go around trying to convert others. I know that’s a big part but I just kind of answer questions if people have them, tell my story and if someone seems interested I of course would offer more or invite them to church but having grown up around mostly non members and never served a mission as I joined the army I never could be pushy. I don’t think it helps personally. Again being the only active sibling in my family I understand how and why people leave. I don’t criticize or judge any of them about leaving, free agency is the point of it all.
They are very nice. The stereotype is true